BREAKING: Olivier Giroud covered in blood and forced off after horror clash of heads https://t.co/oS3CcvgkiU https://t.co/EsntlWo5wG

Medical staff placed a wrap roundGiroud's head before he walked off the pitch under his own power.

France opens the 2018 World Cup against Australia on June 16, which could leaveGiroudin a proverbial race against the clock to get cleared in time to play.

LosingGiroud, even if just for the opening match, would be a big blow for France, as he's the only natural striker coachDidierDeschampswill take to Russia. The absence of a prototypical No. 9 could leave LesBleusin trouble when facing off with Australia, which will likely play a more direct, defensive style.

In terms of the bigger picture,Giroud's presence makes it much easier forDeschampsto set France up in a 4-3-3, which is arguably the best formation to maximize the skill and creativity of PaulPogba, AntoineGriezmannandKylianMbappe. TakeGiroudout of the equation, and it becomes much harder to accommodate the embarrassment of riches in the French squad.